"What’s the aning of this?"
At the entrance of the arena, where all the teams had gathered, a small commotion broke out.
"This second inspection was added because one of the students cheated during the first round. And should I remind you which academy that student belonged to?" The inspector’s cold eyes locked on the Blackthorn Academy student who had stepped forward to protest.
It was unexpected.
Normally, before the match began, each team’s manager would bring the armants for inspection once. But now, because of what happened before, there was going to be a second check.
"In a way, isn’t it fair?" Carter murmured quietly.
Several students nodded. No one wanted a cheater to ruin the final round and risk the contest’s honor.
Elana stood still, her team silent as ever. They didn’t seem bothered by the situation, but she remained cautious.
From the few hints Adrian had given her, she knew better than to trust anyone completely.
"Next," the inspector called.
Elana’s group stepped forward one by one, handing over their armants for assessnt.
Just across from them, the Aegis Academy was also having their weapons checked.
Noticing Elana nearby, Carter’s heartbeat quickened.
They weren’t that distant for him to ignore her, so he said, "Best of luck."
Elana, who had a decent opinion of him, gave a small nod. "To you too."
Her teammates froze.
The usually cold, stone-faced captain—who rarely responded to anyone except Adrian—actually answered a man? And not just any man, but a devilishly handso one?
Aries couldn’t help blurting out, "Don’t tell you two are secretly enga—"
"Finish that sentence," Elana cut in sharply, "and I’ll enter this contest with a four-man team."
*Gulp.*
Aries instantly shut her mouth.
Everyone who had been straining to hear their captain’s reply now knew there was no romance here.
Carter, however, was quietly nursing his wounded pride. She was ruthless.
"Alright, you may pass," the inspector finally said, giving the green signal. The students of both academies crossed the line and entered the arena.
"Woah!" Brendon blurted out the mont his eyes adjusted.
They were standing in a dark, shadowy space.
Tall trees stretched high above, their thick leaves barely letting the sunlight slip through. The ground was soft and damp, carrying the sll of recent rain. The air was heavy and warm, with faint gusts weaving between the trunks.
Sowhere in the distance, bushes rustled and small creatures let out low, guttural calls.
They were in the middle of a dense forest.
Allen turned to look behind them—no gate, no doorway, no way back. The students from Aegis Academy were nowhere to be seen either.
Then—
"Hicck!" Altia flinched, stumbling back as a man appeared out of nowhere.
A referee. He was holding a bundle of small yellow flags.
"These are your points," he said, handing one to each of the four mbers. Then he reached into his pouch again and pulled out a single red flag for Elana.
"This one is worth two hundred points."
No further explanation. No instructions.
With only a quick, "Good luck," the man vanished.
Elana attached the flag to her chest before relaying, "Let’s go."
°°°°°°
The managers weren’t required to stay in the preparation rooms. After all, the second round would last for two whole days.
So in the audience would leave when night fell, but many would stay—sleeping right there in the stands, wrapped in blankets. The most devoted fans wouldn’t close their eyes even once, determined to watch every mont.
Adrian made his way up the rows of seats, heading toward a spot where two familiar ladies were waiting for him.
Ariana wasn’t required to sit with the other Headmasters today, and Ruby had chosen to be with soone she felt more comfortable talking to.
As he climbed the last step and turned to move through the seats, he found himself face-to-face with soone he hadn’t expected.
"Ah..."
It was Sarah, the violet-haired forr senior.
She looked at him without a word, her expression unreadable, before walking past him in silence.
Adrian watched her retreating figure for a mont, then gave a small shake of his head. Things were better this way.
"Adrian!"
The shout pulled his attention toward Ruby, who had her hand raised high to catch his eye.
He waved back and started toward them—only to break into a wry smile when he arrived.
They had left a single seat between them, empty, like it was waiting just for him.
He let out a quiet sigh and dropped into the seat between them.
"So, what’s going on...?" he asked, his eyes scanning the floating screens in front of them.
"While the others rushed straight into hunting, our students were taking their ti," Ariana explained, her gaze fixed on the shifting images. "They’re scouting first—deliberately avoiding any fights."
Adrian humd, crossing his arms. "Not a bad move. Elana’s probably aiming to secure a safe base of operations. And with Brendon’s knack for drawing enemies in, they could easily pull in a few hunts once they’re ready."
Ruby wryly smiled, "Talk about being biased."
Adrian just kept smiling, no response was needed. Of course, every decision made by his students would feel right to him.
[Don’t react,]
Suddenly, Adrian heard a voice in his head and he instinctively flinched.
He glanced around and found no one around
Ariana and Ruby hadn’t noticed the change.
[If you desire safety of your companions and these enthusiasts around you, make an excuse and et outside. Don’t make wait for long.]
Adrian couldn’t treat this lightly. Because he knew exactly who this person was.
"Ah, I forgot to bring my notes," Adrian suddenly got up, gaining the attention of the duo.
"Why do you need your notes here?" Ariana asked in confusion.
Adrian tried to act normal as he said, "I can’t possibly sit here for two days and look at the screen. I need to utilize my ti as much as I can."
Ariana frowned at those words but didn’t question him further.
Adrian soon stepped out of the stands and made his way towards the exit.
He was expecting the man to show up during the contest...but before the ambush? What was on his mind? Or was this the beginning of the ambush?
Adrian was greeted by a few. He smiled and nodded to them as he finally stepped out of the venue.
There were still many people around the exit and considering the one who called him wouldn’t co out in the environnt, Adrian found himself a quiet place to stand.
And as he expected, "Nice job isolating yourself."
He spun on his feet...and just as he expected.
Those vines like hair, those dead eyes and that creepy smile.
"Abraham."
°°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Just kill that bastard already.
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